“In times of transition, we discover who we truly are. As communities and individuals, our greatest growth comes not from being fixed, but from being reminded and empowered to embrace our authentic identity with courage and grace.”
My ministry experience spans diverse contexts across multiple denominations and countries, from serving as an intern and supply preacher in the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa to working across the United States. I've been privileged to serve congregations in Texas, Minnesota, Ohio, and New York, each with their own unique character and calling.
While primarily serving in installed positions, I've consistently approached ministry through a transitional lens, recognizing that all congregations navigate significant cultural shifts that reshape their identity and mission. Just as my own journey has been one of growing into my undivided self, my ministry focuses on empowering congregations to discover and embrace their authentic identity rather than imposing external solutions.
I enter each community not as a fixer, but as a companion in their journey of self-discovery and growth. This approach has proven transformative across diverse settings - from multicultural urban communities to college-town congregations. By helping communities reconnect with their core identity and values, I've witnessed how they can navigate change while remaining grounded in their unique calling and God's enduring love.
This breadth of experience, coupled with my commitment to authentic leadership and empowerment, has deepened my capacity to walk alongside communities as they discover new possibilities in times of transition, always trusting in the sacred potential for renewal and growth that exists within each congregation.
Presbyterian United Church of Christ Saratoga Springs, New York
October 15, 2023 - Present
As Interim Pastor at the Presbyterian-United Church of Christ (PUCC) in Saratoga Springs, NY, I have been privileged to serve a vibrant, progressive congregation committed to making God's love and justice real in the world. Through a comprehensive mission study, we reimagined the church's future and reaffirmed its core identity as a More Light Presbyterian/UCC Open & Affirming, Global Mission, Immigrant Welcoming/Sanctuary, Peace & Justice, and Creation Justice/Earth Care Church. My interim ministry has focused on helping the congregation recommit to these values, revitalizing children and youth ministries, and strengthening pastoral care for our homebound members during this important transitional period.
University Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, Texas
January 2018 – March 2023
As Pastor and Head of Staff at University Presbyterian Church San Antonio (2017-2023), I was privileged to serve a congregation with a bold and inclusive welcome. Building upon UPC's existing Welcome Statement, I worked to deepen the congregation's commitment to embracing all people, including LGBTQI+ individuals, through intentional programming and leadership development. Working with colleagues, I strengthened relationships with the Interfaith Community and Compassionate San Antonio, while serving on the Board of Directors of Texas Freedom Network. My community advocacy extended to speaking at City Council meetings and downtown rallies on critical issues including gun violence prevention, immigration reform, and LGBTQI+ inclusion. I was particularly active in HIV awareness and testing initiatives, including participation in the city-wide World AIDS Day commemoration, connecting our congregation's mission with vital community health needs. Through collaborative work with the Session, Board of Deacons, and various committees, I helped cultivate an environment where honest questions were valued and faith was understood as a process. My leadership style focused on empowering lay leaders and fostering a community where diverse voices could contribute to our shared mission of justice, inclusion, and congregational sustainability.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Wooster, OH
March 2010 – December 2017
My years as Pastor at Westminster were transforming. The Congregation-in-Residence of The College of Wooster is, at its core, a peacemaking community. As it ministers to college students, it strives to be an "Intentionally Inclusive" community. They seek to bring about God's kin-dom through worship, study, and acts of compassion aimed at peacemaking. During my tenure at WPC, we engaged in immigration, Israel/Palestine peacemaking, Environmental Justice, race, and LGBTQI+ inclusion issues. While in Wooster, I was a member of the NAACP, served on the Faith Board of Equality Ohio, Moderator the Synod of the Covenant, and was awarded the Wooster/Orrville Person of the Year Award in 2017 and the Lydia Thompson Humanitarian Award in 2016.
Oak Grove Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, MN
April 2003 – February 2010
As Associate Pastor at OGPC, I excelled in social justice in partnerships, especially with the City of Bloomington, MN, The Wooster Idenependant School District, and the Muslim Community Center. Oak Grove is a joyful, inclusive, compassionate community of faith seeking to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. I served on the Minnesota Council of Churches and the Bloomington Human Rights Commission during my tenure. I also received The City of Bloomington, MN, "Make A Difference" Award in 2007, and in In 2009, I led OGPC to receive The Omar Bonderud Human Rights Award, which the Human Rights Commission presents to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to ensuring the rights of people in Bloomington.
Saint Paul Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX
March 1998 – March 2003
I was privileged to serve Saint Paul in various positions after I arrived from South Africa on March 15, 1998, as Youth Intern, Assistant to the Pastor, and Interim Pastor. It was no coincidence that my first call to ministry was at this multi-cultural congregation, with, at that time, 20% of its members from West Africa. The forgiveness and healing I experienced as a white South African ministering with people of an ethnicity other than my own was profound and an important experience of transformation and a building block of my faith. Also transformational during this period was ministering to gay men living with late-stage HIV.